Synonyms of freedom

freedom

noun

ˈfrē-dəm 

1

as in autonomy

the state of being free from the control or power of another

we owe our freedom to the untold numbers of soldiers who have fought in our nation's wars since its founding

Synonyms & Similar Words

• autonomy
• sovereignty
• independence
• independency
• liberty
• liberation
• emancipation
• self-determination
• self-governance
• self-government
• sovranty
• manumission
• enfranchisement
• release

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• dependence
• subjection
• dependance
• unfreedom
• imprisonment
• heteronomy
• captivity
• subjugation
• enslavement
• incarceration
• internment
• enchainment
• immurement

2

as in latitude

the right to act or move freely

as special guests of the owners, the youngsters had full freedom of the resort and its private beach

Synonyms & Similar Words

• latitude
• authorization
• control
• license
• authority
• power
• licence
• free hand
• run
• mandate
• dominion
• space
• mastery
• room
• sway
• grip
• command
• clutch
• hold
• range
• carte blanche
• blank check

Synonym Chooser

How is the word freedom different from other nouns like it?

The words liberty and license are common synonyms of freedom. While all three words mean "the power or condition of acting without compulsion," freedom has a broad range of application from total absence of restraint to merely a sense of not being unduly hampered or frustrated.

freedom of the press

When could liberty be used to replace freedom?

In some situations, the words liberty and freedom are roughly equivalent. However, liberty suggests release from former restraint or compulsion.

the released prisoner had difficulty adjusting to his new liberty

In what contexts can license take the place of freedom?

While in some cases nearly identical to freedom, license implies freedom specially granted or conceded and may connote an abuse of freedom.

freedom without responsibility may degenerate into license

Examples of freedom in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Harris is bolstering an already impressive Democratic GOTV infrastructure Biden had the freedom to set up months in advance. —Max Thornberry, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 16 Aug. 2024

The Committee to Protect Journalists, an independent organization that promotes press freedom, reports that 113 journalists have been killed during the Israel-Hamas war. —Patrick Frater, Variety, 15 Aug. 2024

While Caine earned his freedom in the duel with Wick, a post-credits scene sees Shimazu Akira, daughter of Shimazu Koji — played by Shōgun’s Hiroyuki Sanada — pull out a knife while walking toward Caine. —Skyler Trepel, Peoplemag, 17 Aug. 2024

This is a year of change and increased personal freedom. —Georgia Nicols, The Denver Post, 16 Aug. 2024